Four hundred years after the Massacre of St Bartholomew initiated waves of religious persecution in France, acts of terrorism by fundamentalists still dominate our front pages. The Virgin Blue’s exploration of the prejudices of fanaticists is well placed in today’s world.
     Faced with bigotry and ostracism by a rural French community, the Californian Ella Turner suffers nightmares and stress-induced psoriasis. In a parallel story, Isabelle du Moulin struggles to live her 16th century life free from hatred.
     This is a beautifully crafted story shot with vivid colours. While it may not change the attitudes of those with prejudices, it has the power to linger in the mind long after it is finished.